The Andrews Labor Government is making it easier for Transport Accident Commission (TAC) clients to report incidents of abuse and neglect with the introduction of a new hotline.
The TAC’s new Abuse and Neglect Report line is a telephone service providing advice and referral to clients concerned about abuse and neglect by TAC funded services.
Specialists with experience working with people with disabilities will follow up the reports and work with clients to best resolve the issue.
The report line, which launched last month, is open between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with message bank and email services also available.
Reports can be made by calling 1800 931 233 or by emailing reportabuse@tac.vic.gov.au and the TAC will follow up reports within one business day.
Reports can be made anonymously, and reporting concerns will not have any impact on a client's TAC claim, or the services they are entitled to.
The report line isn’t a crisis hotline and people should call 000 in the case of an emergency, or their local police station if a crime has been committed or is being committed.
People can find out more about the TAC’s report line or about abuse and neglect at tac.vic.gov.au/clients.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Finance Tim Pallas
“We take the care, safety and wellbeing of Victorians injured in road crashes very seriously. All TAC clients have the right to be safe, and treated with dignity and respect at all times.”
“The report line will empower clients to seek help if a they believe they have been abused, neglected or a service provider is making them feel uncomfortable or uneasy.”
Quotes attributable to Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore
“We are encouraging our clients to speak up if they have concerns about the quality of care they are receiving.”
“The report line is also open to family members, friends and care givers, including paid staff, that have witnessed or experienced something they feel uncomfortable with and believe should be addressed.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020